Pheobe Daphne Atkinson

Pheobe Daphne Atkinson,82, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Friday, February 6th at 5:55 pm at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie.

She was born June 14, 1943 in Rathnure, County Wexford, Ireland to Phillip John Masterson and Mary Elizabeth (Grothier) Masterson.

Daphne was a nanny in Boston where she met and married Robert (Bobby Dean) Atkinson on October 8, 1966 in Milton, Massachusetts. He was serving in the US Navy. He moved her to live in his hometown of Hartford City and she remained in Blackford County ever-since.

She was a devoted wife and mother whose greatest joy was helping her husband in whatever task was at hand and providing a fun and loving home. Prior to her husband's death Bob and Daphne were avid campers and loved taking golf-cart rides. She was known for her love of flowers and her gifted green thumb, finding great joy in tending her many flower gardens. She and her husband were well known for welcoming others around their kitchen table, where coffee and conversation were always shared.

She took pride in her Irish heritage and enjoyed celebrating St Patrick's Day with her children, grandchildren and friends.

She will be sadly missed by daughters Michelle (husband, Shawn) Gearheart and Heather (husband, David) Overmyer; grandchildren Dr. Mac (Molly) Gearheart, Branagan (Kimmy) Gearheart, Madison (Drake) Hall, Ken (Jessie) Overmyer, Kaleb Atkinson, and James Atkinson; great grandchildren Noah Gearheart, Nate Gearheart, Lila Gearheart, Kendall Hall, Tyler Overmyer, Olivia Overmyer, and Ella Atkinson; brothers: Willie (Florence) Masterson, John (Phyllis) Masterson, Harry (Elenor) Masterson, Robert Masterson, Thomas Masterson; brother-in-law Joe Hornick; sisters Phyllis (Willie) Chapman, Noeleen Gore, Myrtle (Albert) Hanley, Yvonne (William) Kearon, Caroline (Harry) Deacon, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Cory Atkinson; sister Jean Hornick and Georgina Masterson (infant); sisters-in-law Jackie Lamott and Delores Masterson; brothers-in-law-Bill Lamott and Victor Gore.

Funeral service will be at 2pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 N. High St. Hartford City with Pastor John McCullough officiating. Burial will follow at Hartford City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 12pm-2pm Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Memorials may be made to Trowel and Garden Club c/o Cindy Knote, 1907 W. Water, Hartford City, IN 47348

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.keplingerfuneralhome.com or utilize our Keplinger Funeral Home Facebook page.